Mr Lynch had almost 30 years of experience in mining in Australia and overseas including in the Bowen and Galilee basins and led a consortium which planned a $21m air park at Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome.

Mr Lynch was director of development at Fortescue Metals Group, who described him as a "highly experienced mining executive" to the ABC.

Among previous positions, Mr Lynch was managing director at Clive Palmer's Waratah Coal Inc, who in a statement to The Northern Star described him as "business savvy" and having "entrepreneurial spirit".

The mother of Mr Lynch's three children, Laura Lynch, also lamented the loss of her former husband.

"I am unbearably saddened to confirm that my great friend and the father of my children passed after a tragic accident," Ms Lynch wrote on Facebook.

Mr McCormack has been contacted for comment.

Endah Aricakrawati, 30, was killed in a plane crash with her partner, pilot Peter Lynch.